Making sure you practice inclusivity during the holidays in an organisation these days is no mean feat. It takes somebody of incredible skill and knowledge to understand all of the discrimination laws, be able to relate to everybody within the workforce regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion and be able to communicate regarding business operations without favouritism or unconscious bias.
In the run up to Christmas, when people feel particularly under pressure, this role becomes especially difficult, and making your workplace inclusive during the holiday season is a continued balancing act between ‘political correctness gone mad’ and remaining inclusive and diverse.
This is something that at Your Wellspace takes particular interest in as it is a well known fact that any form of discrimination is firstly against the law, and secondly, can lead to anxiety and depression.
We have come up with some great ideas therefore, on how to practice inclusivity during the holidays without being seen as a stick in the mud or poo pooing all of the fun. Want to find out more? Read on….
Check Your Calendar
If we remember that Christmas is a key part of the traditional religious calendar of Christianity, (and it’s often forgotten thanks to the mass onslaught of the retail sector at this time of year), then it obviously makes good sense, and encourages diversity, to remember all the other religious holidays.
Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Diwali are all religious holidays, and are fun days to celebrate by bringing some of the traditions in to the workplace.
Who doesn’t love the idea of a Festival of Lights to mark the occasion of Diwali and brighten up a dull office in the autumn time? This is not only respecting alternative traditions and beliefs, it provides an ideal opportunity to encourage understanding and discussion amongst staff members who may not otherwise be exposed to different religious practices.
That said, of course, there are people who don’t practice any religion at all and may not want to be included. This is okay too. Don’t make people feel like they have to join in. It is, of course, all about personal choice but practising inclusivity during the holiday season is about recognising different customs, not by forcing people to take part.
Encourage Communication
Of course, nobody is saying idle chatter amongst employees all of the time is ideal, however it is a good idea to find time to chat about things other than work in order to practice inclusivity during the holidays, encourage a healthy work place culture, and foster good working relationships between co-workers.
This could be achieved by supporting lunch time groups or advocating healthy lifestyles amongst the workforce, which is a great way to build a common ground and involve people in fun activities without discrimination.
Support staff suggestions for alternative ways to celebrate the holidays that are more inclusive and offer that little bit of diversity away from the traditional festivities.
An organisation that is confident enough to try a variety of ideas put forward by the employees is going to raise their sense of self-worth, increase motivation and as a result, will see productivity levels increase!
Play With Office Traditions
If you always go to the same place for your Christmas dinner, or you always have the same traditional turkey meal on the canteen menu at this time of year, try mixing it up a bit, why not head to a different restaurant for a change, have a work buffet, or ask the catering team to come up with something a little more imaginative from a different culture?
If you always have a Christmas party, why not consider having a party in the New Year instead? Chances are people will thank you for it as it takes the pressure right off before Christmas and offers something for people to look forward to after the traditional festivities are over. Let’s face it, January isn’t the best month to stay motivated, but having a party or some kind of celebration to look forward to will make the drudgery of January a little bit easier to cope with.
Plan a New Idea for the New Year
Speaking of January, if you are looking for a way to motivate your workforce and encourage inclusivity, why not consider a Wellbeing App? This would make a great Christmas present for all of your employees and would certainly make a healthier, and longer lasting alternative to wine and chocolates!
The Wellbeing App is a great way for everybody within the organisation to join in and create a company culture built on a wealth of diversity. This revolutionary App encourages participation and communication and supports the three pillars of employee health.
By supporting employee health and wellbeing, and encouraging corporate wellness, this will make people feel involved in the business,rather than just working for the business, and what better time to make a start?
Furthermore, rather than spending money on a traditional Christmas party, which is usually cringe worthy and ends in embarrassment for at least two people, investing in a Wellbeing App is a genuine way of giving something back to your employees who work really hard throughout the year and makes them feel valued, motivated and included, and is not discriminatory in any way!
Contact us
So if you would like to have a healthy and happy run up to the holidays, where people of all backgrounds feel included and valued within the organisation, then why not contact us here for more information, or call us on 0808 178 0748 where one of our expert team will be delighted to chat to you.
This is a great way to enjoy the start of the holiday season and one that will last well in to the New Year!
